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Schumaker wins award, announces charity initiative

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Schumaker's RBI double 0:25

7/20/14: Skip Schumaker lines a ground-rule double into the stands in right field, scoring Zack Cozart to give the Reds a one-run lead

By Mark Sheldon
/
MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Outfielder/second baseman Skip Schumaker was named on Tuesday as the club's winner of the 2014 Heart and Hustle Award. Given by the Major League Players Alumni Association each year, the award honors players "who demonstrate a passion for the game and best embody the values, spirits and tradition of the game.

The overall winner among the 30 club nominees will be announced on Nov. 18 in New York.

"I was pumped," Schumaker said. "I feel like I try to play the game the right way and go about my business the right way, on and off the field. I think that award represents that. I'm honored and humbled I was even considered for that."

Ten players from around the league are hosting similar events. The idea came from Schumaker and Adam Wainwright when the two were teammates on the Cardinals.

"Adam and I are passionate about fantasy football. We love fantasy football," Schumaker said. "I have a belt, Adam doesn't. Every team has 10 to 12 players that are super-excited. We ... thought we'd have fans come together and play with Jay Bruce, Devin Mesoraco, Todd Frazier and be in a league."

The entry fees are $2,500 per person and $1,000 for a co-owner. Fans can register at bigleagueimpact.org. Participants will receive a tour of the ballpark and Reds Hall of Fame, lunch, the draft, an autograph signing by a Reds Hall of Famer, a batting practice viewing and tickets to that night's game vs. the Cubs.

Proceeds from the event will go toward Schumaker's charity, the Jessie Rees Foundation for children battling cancer; the Reds Community Fund; Cincinnati Children's Hospital; and Wainwright's cause, Operation Food Search and Water Missions International.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.